Optical coupler and waveguide system

Abstract

System and methods for optical power distribution to a large numbers of sample wells within an integrated device that can analyze single molecules and perform nucleic acid sequencing are described. The integrated device may include a grating coupler configured to receive an optical beam from an optical source and optical splitters configured to divide optical power of the grating coupler to waveguides of the integrated device positioned to couple with the sample wells. Outputs of the grating coupler may vary in one or more dimensions to account for an optical intensity profile of the optical source.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An integrated device comprising:
 a metal layer disposed on a surface of the integrated device, the metal layer having a discontinuity; and   at least one sample well having a top aperture corresponding with the discontinuity of the metal layer, and   wherein a surface of the at least one sample well extends beyond the metal layer along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the integrated device.